The University of Maryland mourns the loss of John B. Colvin, who passed away in mid-August in Baltimore. A 1969 graduate of the university, John and his wife Karen endowed the Colvin Institute of Real Estate Development at the University of Maryland in 2008, a key component to the growth and professional recognition of the University’s newly-minted Master of Real Estate Program. John’s mother, Neomi Colvin, who was a pioneer as a woman in the commercial real estate business, inspired the Institute. Through their generosity and support, John and Karen helped put the university on the map as a national leader in real estate education.
“Mr. Colvin was instrumental in starting the MRED program, providing a gift that gave permanence to a very young program,” said Margaret McFarland, Director of the Real Estate Development Program. “He never missed an advisory board meeting or a Colvin-sponsored event. He was a devoted patron to the MRED program and will be greatly missed.”
John and Karen extended their generosity and commitment last February with a gift that helped establish an undergraduate Minor in Real Estate Development based in the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and a second minor in Construction Management, sponsored jointly by MAPP and the university’s A. James Clarke School of Engineering. This achievement brought much joy to John, who hoped to bring the energy and entrepreneurship of real estate to as many students as possible.
“John’s dedication to the school was consistent with his belief that real estate development was a synthetic effort that needed to join great design and quality construction with astute financing, while upholding the best in sustainable practices,” said David Cronrath, Dean of the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. “He took great pride in bringing people together—in business, in design, in planning—to work toward this philosophy and eagerly shared his wisdom and experience with our community.”
A true entrepreneur, John was a founding principal of Questar Properties, a leading Baltimore development firm, for over 40 years. But what brought him the greatest satisfaction was helping students as they developed their careers. He was a regular program mentor and relished class trips to Baltimore where he could share the history and spaces of his hometown. Talking and working with students, according to McFarland, was as important to John as his professional work and he took great pride in their accomplishments.
John is someone I will not forget,” said Tyler Abrams (B.S. Architecture ’07, MRED ‘08). “He was a passionate, empowering individual who definitely made a lasting impact on my academic and professional careers. He will be missed.”
“John was one of the finest men I have known,” said Earl Armiger, Founder of Orchard Development based in Columbia, Maryland, and a member of the Colvin Institute’s Council of Advisors. “His compassion and caring had no limits. I learned much from him and always enjoyed his big picture take on all things. [My wife] Mary and I have felt privileged to be among his friends.”
In John’s passing, the MAPP community lost a leader, mentor and friend. John’s family has asked that those interested in honoring his memory can do so through by supporting the Colvin Institute for Real Estate Development. Learn more about opportunities for giving.